Language Arts Reading, writing, speaking, and listening are integrated across the curriculum. Our core reading program is the Reading Street Program published by Scott Foresman. It is an anthology that allows teachers to effectively differentiate instruction through leveled reading, and interesting stories to better ensure that all students learn the reading skills necessary to help them become better readers. This is an integrated anthology, which also includes writing, and spelling. In addition we will offer literature choices which reflect topics in other disciplines. The children write as part of ALL of their content area work, including science, social studies, and mathematics. Different genres of writing are explored, including experience stories, poetry, reports and other non-fiction writing. We teach proofreading and editing skills as well, and use techniques from the John Collins program, Writing Across the Curriculum as well as the Six +1 Writing Traits. Literature Circles Students will be using literature circles this year. This learning approach involves small groups of students getting together to discuss books that they are reading. Students have a choice in book selection so they can choose topics and genres that they are interested in. In groups of 5 or 6 they will have guided discussion about events and characters in the book they are reading. Literature circles provide a way for students to engage in critical thinking and reflection as they read, discuss, and respond to books. They will use response journals and literature job sheets to help guide their discussion. The teacher’s job is provide students with appropriate reading selections, help model and guide discussion and encourage input from all group members.
Language Arts
Reading, writing, speaking, and listening are integrated across the curriculum. Our core reading program is the Reading Street Program published by Scott Foresman. It is an anthology that allows teachers to effectively differentiate instruction through leveled reading, and interesting stories to better ensure that all students learn the reading skills necessary to help them become better readers. This is an integrated anthology, which also includes writing, and spelling. In addition we will offer literature choices which reflect topics in other disciplines. The children write as part of ALL of their content area work, including science, social studies, and mathematics. Different genres of writing are explored, including experience stories, poetry, reports and other non-fiction writing. We teach proofreading and editing skills as well, and use techniques from the John Collins program, Writing Across the Curriculum as well as the Six +1 Writing Traits.
Literature Circles
Students will be using literature circles this year. This learning approach involves small groups of students getting together to discuss books that they are reading. Students have a choice in book selection so they can choose topics and genres that they are interested in. In groups of 5 or 6 they will have guided discussion about events and characters in the book they are reading. Literature circles provide a way for students to engage in critical thinking and reflection as they read, discuss, and respond to books. They will use response journals and literature job sheets to help guide their discussion. The teacher’s job is provide students with appropriate reading selections, help model and guide discussion and encourage input from all group members.
Language Arts/Reading Links
What to Expect in 4th Grade